A Mother's View: Army Reserve

SGT Autumn Anderson’s mother talks about how determined and focused her daughter has become since joining the Army Reserve.

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Transcript:

Molly: My name is Molly Anderson, proud mother of Sergeant Autumn Anderson of the Army Reserve. When my daughter Autumn called me and told me that she was joining the Army Reserve and she was for sure doing it, I was in shock.

Being a single mother raising my children without a father, I have a protective mother bear instinct. I wanted to steer Autumn one direction, and she wanted another direction. Eventually I did see it Autumn's way. I had no choice but to allow her to create her own world. I seriously don't think Autumn would have gotten this far without the Army Reserve.

I don't have any doubt in my mind that Autumn can't [sic] accomplish anything that she sets her life to do. She wanted to fight for her country and she also wanted to go to college, and the Army Reserve gave her that opportunity.

I just saw her grow up. I really think a lot about Autumn being deployed. . . it kind of scares me, because she's my daughter. She's my baby. There's no doubt in my mind that the Army Reserve has prepared Autumn for deployment; to teach her to be the best Soldier that she could be.

When my daughter walks in through that door for Christmas and she picks me up and she gives me the biggest bear hug I've ever had! That's my kid, that is my kid. I'm very proud.